That is pretty amazing to think about. I really wonder why times are so much faster today, is it:
- more time to practice (many people are 10 years into the sport now)?
- better cubes?
- more information (new algs/techniques)?
- more competition pushing people to improve?
- mindset driven by people knowing what's possible?
If I had to guess, I think it is the last one. Expectations and what people think is possible definitely influences outcomes. If people know something is possible they are more likely to accomplish it.